Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oral Health Problems among Children in Spain

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the association between symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oral health in a representative sample of the Spanish population aged 6-14 years. We also examined the contribution of several sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of children/adolescents and their family environment.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 3,402 subjects aged between 6 and 14 years from the Spanish National Health Survey. The presence of ADHD symptoms was determined using the self-reported hyperactivity/inattention subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Oral health was assessed using five indicators: caries, extraction, restorations, gingival bleeding, and the presence of teeth in poor condition (e.g., broken or misaligned). Logistic regressions were used to examine the association between the presence of ADHD symptoms and oral health indicators. These models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle variables, and oral hygiene behaviors relating to both the children and their parents.

Results: Compared to children without ADHD symptoms, children with ADHD symptoms had a higher risk of caries (fully adjusted odds ratio: 2.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.66-2.82), extraction (1.42; 1.09-1.85), restoration (1.47; 1.19-1.82) and gingival bleeding (1.64; 1.11-2.41). The increased risk of caries was maintained when the analyses were restricted to middle/high social class families and children with low sugar intake, good oral hygiene behaviors and regular dental visits.

Conclusions: Children with ADHD symptoms in Spain had worse oral health indicators than those without ADHD symptoms. Our results suggest that the association of ADHD symptoms with caries was independent of socioeconomic level, cariogenic diet, frequency of toothbrushing, and dental visits.

Keywords: Adolescent; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Children; Dental care for children; Disabled children; Oral health; Public dental health.